By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr
24th Press Camp Headquarters
Polish children wave Polish and American flags during a celebration ceremony Feb. 12, 2017, to welcome U.S. troops assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to Skwierzyna, Poland. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr)
SKWIERZYNA, Poland — The citizens of Poland formally welcomed American Soldiers assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a ceremony Feb. 12, 2017, in the town square.
The 64th BSB “Mountaineers” are deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve, a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.
Polish Army Maj. Gen. Jaroslaw Mika, commander, 11th Armored Cavalry Division, welcomed the 64th BSB and thanked the Soldiers for their commitment to duty.
“You help us build stability and help us build security in Poland, and security in Europe,” he said. “I wish you a short, but long, stay here while we improve our skills together.”
Sgt. Jeremy McGary, left, and Spc. Ronald Houck, both assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pose for a photograph during a celebration ceremony Feb. 12, 2017, to welcome American troops to Skwierzyna, Poland. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr)
The event included static displays of U.S. and Polish vehicles and equipment, each manned by Soldiers who the citizens of the town could interact with. Several Polish Soldiers wearing traditional cavalry uniforms rode in on horses during the ceremony.
In total, the Mountaineer Battalion traveled approximately 6,400 miles from Fort Carson, transporting an extensive amount of equipment and Soldiers to train alongside their multinational partners in Poland, Germany and the Baltic States.
“Deploying the battalion and all of our supporting equipment to train with our allies and partners demonstrates the capabilities of supporting our brigade across Europe,” said Lt. Col. Robert B. Rochon, commander, 64th BSB. “It is a difficult mission but a mission we are well prepared to undertake and eager to accomplish.”
According to 64th BSB Command Sgt. Maj. Jason E. Decker, the ceremony went better than expected. He said it was an honor to work side-by-side with his Polish allies.
“I am truly grateful for the support of our Soldiers and the warm welcome and hospitality the unit has received,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the months to come training alongside our allies.”
The unit’s arrival marks the start of back-to-back rotations of armored brigades in Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve. This rotation will enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, improve the U.S. ability to respond to potential crises and defend allies and partners in the European community. U.S. forces will focus on strengthening capabilities and sustaining readiness through bilateral and multinational training and exercises.
Soldiers assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Polish soldiers assigned to 35th Polish Air Defense Squadron pose for a photograph during a celebration ceremony Feb. 12, 2017, to welcome American troops to Skwierzyna, Poland. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr)
Soldiers assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Polish soldiers assigned to 35th Polish Air Defense Squadron prepare to raise the American and Polish flags during a celebration ceremony Feb. 12, 2017, to welcome American troops to Skwierzyna, Poland. The 3rd ABCT’s arrival marks the start of back-to-back rotations of armored brigades in Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve. This rotation will enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, improve the U.S. ability to respond to potential crises and defend allies and partners in the European community. U.S. forces will focus on strengthening capabilities and sustaining readiness through bilateral and multinational training and exercises. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr)